Keratosis Pilaris is a harmless common skin condition which appears as tiny bumps on the skin. Some people refer to these bumps as making their skin look a little like chicken skin and others may mistake the bumps for small pimples.
The causes aren’t always clear, but they seem to increase with age.
Keratosis can look like warts or some other kind of large skin growth, so it’s important to visit a doctor to ensure you know what your skin condition is.
These rough-feeling bumps are actually plugs of dead skin cells / a buildup of keratin in the hair follicle. This skin condition appears most often on the upper arms and thighs, buttocks, and on the cheeks of children. Dry skin tends to worsen this condition.
How do I treat it?
There are products and treatments that are available to help exfoliate and moisturize the skin to help rid the skin of this build up. Creams containing alpha hydroxy acid, lactic acid, and salicylic acid can help remove dead skin cells.
These acids are not recommended for small children because they can cause irritation, sensitivity, and redness on the skin. To prevent further build up of the keratin in the follicle you can use a Vitamin A, prescribed by a Doctor such as Retin-A, Tazorac, and Tretinoin are a few examples of these types of topical medications. Always talk to a Doctor or Skincare professional to see what treatments options and products are right for you.
At Southern Urogynecology and Aesthetics & Wellness, our clinic helps patients experiencing skin conditions find relief and regain their quality of life.
